Western Premiers met in Vancouver over the past two days to discuss ways to build future prosperity in Canada’s Western provinces and territories.

Western Premiers acknowledged progress, as directed by Canada’s Premiers last year, on creating a national inventory of firefighting resources and ensuring that training is provided to Canadian Armed Forces personnel in wildfire firefighting techniques.

Western Premiers began their annual meeting in Vancouver with an expression of support for Fort McMurray and other affected northern communities.

High school graduation is a significant rite of passage and this year about 52,000 British Columbia students will celebrate at safe, alcohol-free events, thanks in part to BC Liquor Stores’ annual Support Dry Grad campaign.

As wildfires rage in Fort McMurray, Alta., forcing the emergency evacuation of 80,000 residents, BC Liquor Stores customers can support Red Cross relief efforts there by donating at stores throughout the province.

The Provincial Health Services Authority and BC Mental Health & Substance Use Services issued a request for qualifications (RFQ) to design and build a new facility to support those living with complex mental health and substance use issues on the Riverview lands.

On the eve of Emergency Preparedness Week (May 1-7, 2016), and following the recent earthquakes in Japan where aftershocks continue to rumble, the Province is announcing a new program to help students, their families and their communities better prepare for emergencies.